Three Missing After Flash Floods Hit New Mexico Village Scarred By Wildfires Last Summer

Topline
At least three people are missing and dozens more were rescued after torrential rains triggered severe flash floods on Tuesday in and around the village of Ruidoso, New Mexico—an area still recovering from the devastation of the South Fork and Salt wildfires just a year ago.

Key Facts
The flash flooding occurred following sudden and intense rainfall that overwhelmed the mountainous terrain of southern New Mexico. According to CBS affiliate KRQE News, the deluge destroyed numerous homes, washed away vehicles, and forced emergency crews into high-alert operations as residents scrambled for safety.

Swift water rescue teams pulled several people from rooftops and treetops, while at least three individuals remained unaccounted for as of Wednesday morning. Local emergency responders continued search-and-rescue efforts throughout the night and into the next day.

A village official confirmed to the Associated Press that no fatalities had been reported yet, though three individuals were hospitalized with injuries sustained during the flooding. All three are reportedly in stable condition.

The National Weather Service said that the Rio Ruidoso river surged dramatically, cresting at a record 20 feet in mere minutes. This unprecedented rise is being attributed to the combination of saturated soil from recent rains and the scorched, less absorbent ground left behind by the wildfires in 2023.

Most of the floodwaters had receded by late Tuesday, but roads remained blocked by debris, and utility crews worked overnight to restore power and clean water to affected neighborhoods. Damage assessment teams reported widespread destruction to homes, small businesses, and public infrastructure, with several bridges and culverts washed out.

Background
The village of Ruidoso, nestled in the Sacramento Mountains, has been struggling to rebuild after last summer’s twin wildfires—the South Fork and Salt fires—which burned more than 50,000 acres, forced thousands to evacuate, and left the landscape severely scarred. The charred hillsides, stripped of vegetation, have significantly increased the area's vulnerability to mudslides and flooding.

Climate experts warn that such disasters are likely to become more frequent and intense due to changing weather patterns and post-wildfire soil instability. Residents had previously expressed concern that the region’s topography, combined with delayed reforestation and erosion control efforts, would leave them exposed during the next heavy rain event.

Emergency Response
New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham issued a statewide emergency declaration late Tuesday, authorizing the mobilization of the National Guard and requesting federal assistance. “Ruidoso endured devastating wildfires and flooding last summer, and now catastrophic flooding is hitting this resilient community again. This crisis demands immediate action,” she said in a press briefing.

The governor emphasized that her administration was “mobilizing every available resource,” including aerial reconnaissance, temporary shelters, and debris clearance units. She also urged federal agencies such as FEMA to act swiftly, noting: “We’ve watched Texas receive the federal resources they desperately needed, and Ruidoso deserves that same urgent response.”

What’s Next
Federal emergency management officials are expected to arrive within the next 24 to 48 hours to coordinate recovery efforts. In the meantime, Ruidoso residents are being urged to avoid flood-affected areas and report any missing persons or structural damage.

Officials warned that further rain is forecast later in the week, raising the risk of additional flash floods or landslides. Local shelters remain open, and emergency supply distribution centers have been set up at designated locations throughout the village.

Crucial Quote
“This is not just about one storm,” said Ruidoso Mayor Lynn Crawford. “It’s about a vulnerable community being hit repeatedly. We’re strong, but we need help—federal, state, and community help—to rebuild and to protect our people going forward.”

Further Reading

• 3 missing, house swept away as flash flooding hits mountain village in New Mexico (Associated Press)

• New Mexico flash flooding leaves scars on wildfire recovery zones (KRQE News 13)

• FEMA’s role in disaster recovery: What to expect (FEMA.gov)